Where to Go in Sarasota When You Just Need a Darned Good Dessert

You don’t need a holiday, birthday or excuse to go get dessert. Sometimes you simply need something sweet, local and worth every bite—and Sarasota delivers. From unforgettable cinnamon rolls to made-from-scratch mousse cakes, these places don’t merely serve dessert. They create it.

This isn’t your basic top-five list. These are the places locals actually visit when a sugar craving hits and moderation doesn’t stand a chance. Whether you’re visiting Sarasota or lucky enough to live here, consider this your go-to dessert bucket list.

Main Street CreameryVisit website →

Main Street Creamery serves award-winning ice cream made by Sarasota’s own Yoder’s Southern Creamery. Think vintage ice cream parlor meets neighborhood favorite—the kind of place where families still go out for cones, sundaes and milkshakes just like they used to. With more than 30 flavors, including several dairy-free choices, the hardest part may be deciding what to order. But this place is about more than ice cream. It’s about slowing down, sharing something delicious and making memories—and this charming downtown scoop shop is doing it exactly right.

Address: 1359 Main Street

Settimi’s GelatoVisit website →

Settimi’s is edible art. You could easily spend ten minutes staring at the display case, with each colorful swirl looking more irresistible than the last.

Located on bustling St. Armands Circle, it’s the perfect after-dinner stop while you’re out strolling. Settimi’s is known for rich, beautifully crafted gelato made with high-quality European ingredients. Don’t settle for one flavor. Try two or three. This is not the time for unnecessary restraint.

Address: 367 B St. Armand’s Circle

Morton’s Gourmet MarketVisit website →

A longtime favorite among Sarasota locals, Morton’s is the definition of elevated everyday indulgence. Its bakery case is a dream—filled with specialty cakes, cookies, pastries, cannoli and other creations made with the kind of detail that makes you pause before taking the first bite.

It’s one of my go-to stops when I’m hosting a dinner party. Yes, the entrées and prepared foods are fabulous too. But even when there isn’t a gathering on the calendar, the desserts alone are reason enough to visit.

Address: 1924 S. Osprey Avenue

Der DutchmanVisit website →

Located in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, Der Dutchman is more than a restaurant—it’s a sweet-tooth pilgrimage.

The first time I tasted one of its cinnamon rolls, my friend Monica served it at brunch, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It was hands-down the best cinnamon roll I’d ever had.

And don’t even get me started on the pies. Traditional favorites such as apple and cherry share the bakery case with wonderfully indulgent choices like chocolate peanut butter cream. Come for breakfast or lunch, save room for dessert and leave a little extra time to explore Carlisle Gifts upstairs.

Address: 3713 Bahia Vista

Abel’s Ice CreamVisit website →

Abel’s has earned a devoted local following—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. This locally owned shop offers more than 40 flavors of Florida-made ice cream, along with dairy-free sorbets and plant-based frozen desserts.

Try one of the crowd favorites, such as Stellar Coffee, Caramel Caribou or Raspberry Truffle, or stick with a classic. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. I’ve never been disappointed. This place is the real deal.

Address: 1886 Stickney Point Road

OfKors BakeryVisit website →

OfKors is legendary! Husband-and-wife team Alex and Marie Korsykov moved from Ukraine to the United States in 2013 and brought their love of international food and baking to Sarasota.

Their mission is to create delicious, minimalist masterpieces using simple ingredients, traditional techniques and small-batch preparation. Everything begins early in the morning, when the baking starts from scratch.

You’ll find freshly baked pastries, Slavic-style crêpes, sweet and savory sandwiches, locally sourced coffee and an entire lineup of brioche rolls. (Yum!)

Current Sarasota location: Check the official website before visiting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving Sarasota’s best desserts or just need a reason to treat yourself, these spots deliver something special. From homemade cakes to over-the-top ice cream, every stop on this list is loved by locals and totally worth the splurge. These are the places people talk about, dream about and return to—because dessert should never be just an afterthought.